[deadalvs]

morning...

many things we model we can use multiple times. for example doors, lamps, ... (not only in arch-viz)

let's discuss a little about:
• workflow
• libraries

* * *

for those using ArchiCAD and similar software packages, it is rather easy using parametric objects that can be edited and saved to libraries. but for those using standard, non-specialized modelers like maya, max, rhino and so on it is a little more complex. for example with windows that have to be «booled» out of walls.
what approach do you use there ?

especially for windows:
--> which modeler can save parametric models and reference them directly in the plan. i know CATIA / Digital Project can do this, but are there other packages with this ability ?

if there's anything other interesting to hear ... feel free... !

[Bubbaloo]

AutoCAD Architecture 2008 can do that, but I don't use it very much for modelling. In Max, I just like having complete control over all vertices and you can't do that in AutoCAD.

[Leonardo]

"for example with windows that have to be «booled» out of walls. " SkecthUp takes care of you You can make instances (called components) that «booled» out walls

Anyway, you can seve your components in libraries... Pretty usefull when the firm that you work at always uses the same windows/doors

[deadalvs]

hehe... that signatur is hilarious.. !!!

knurrebusk wrote:
I´ll tested MR´s Displacement maps, and they work!
At a cost, but I bend over.

[Leonardo]

hehe... that signatur is hilarious.. !!!

knurrebusk wrote:
I´ll tested MR´s Displacement maps, and they work!
At a cost, but I bend over.

The man speaks the truths

[Bubbaloo]

I don't care how good Maxwell Render is, I will not bend over.

[Leonardo]

I don't care how good Maxwell Render is, I will not bend over.

I don't think you have a choice

either you bend over in rendering time... or bend over in buying a new more powerful computer

[deadalvs]

so most of you guys work with manual copy paste or are there some special tools used ?
for example with programmed libraries that exchange modules and automatically fit the new one to the correct size ?

hmm... is it just me that likes automation so much...

[lebbeus]

automation (for me anyway) is only really handy when things start changing after the initial design stages (walls and doors shifting, windows changing, etc.)

I've found that parametric elements (like those in Revit) typically aren't of sufficient quality for hero-type renders and usually require re-modeling/tweaking in some other package.

If you're doing one-off renders (no design work or construction document type output) I don't see the benefit to parametric objects (sure they can be used as a base, but how much time does that really save you if the mesh is crap?) unless you're designing/rendering things based on scripts that are responding to "external (or internal) stimuli"

Libraries of things that you've modeled, on the other hand, are very handy…I typically use a "cut and paste" methodology, since I use Rhino I re-model by hand if things don't fit exactly. I don't know what the capabilities of DP or GC are (with regards to mesh output), though they seem to be have robust relational-geometric capabilities

[deadalvs]

hehe... maybe i'm simply lazy...

i have worked with DP a little in my studies for one CAAD course, but the interface simply reminds of the 80ies. certainly, everything is trimmed for mechanical precision, but workflow speed seems NOT a goal with DP.

[Fernando Tella]

In max I use "Save selected" option a lot. Save fences, windows, doors, street lamps, paddle courts,... to recover them later and modify and adapt.

[lebbeus]

hehe... maybe i'm simply lazy...

the fastest production-type people are the laziest--they find the quickest and most efficient way to get the job done. Whatever works best for your skills and mindset…

[deadalvs]

you hit precisely the sweet spot, lebbeus...

i always think i am weird because i like it more to increase productivity to reach 100% photorealism that actually model/create a scene myself...

i think i have a rather great knowledge of 3d (i'm 28 and i started 3d 16 years ago), but technically, i'd like the software to be years ahead...

i know i am on a rendering forum here and i know i don't have posted many images... but check out for yourself... about 80% of all my posts are related somehow to any sort of workflow-efficiency based topic...

i don't really know if that's good or bad... i just guess it's weird...


my main problem is that i never have learned proper programming, and i know i'd not be very good because i'm totally an image-based thinker, not text-based. learning by heart is so hard for me... thinking in images: no problem !
i do a lot of MEL (maya) coding, but as mentioned, more purpose-oriented, not technically proper.

i'm currently working in a landscape architecture office and i have developed the whole 3d workflow with self-programmed NURBS functionalities for all the needed commands we need here... being an architect just is not the most fulfilling job for me, it seems, even though i have studies this.

it's a kind of weird situation for me... what could i do then ?
i'm more into sharing knowledge or teach 3d, maybe become a TD (technical director)... but how...?
--> maybe i'll start here, that'd be perfect...
http://www.tinoschaedler.com/